14.2 UN Proper Shipping Name

Simple proper shipping names consist of a single word or a straightforward description of the chemical or material.

Characteristics:

• Often consist of the common chemical name
• Typically used for well-known, widely transported substances
• No additional qualifiers or technical names needed
• Appear in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS in transport documents

Examples:

• ACETONE (UN 1090)
• ETHANOL (UN 1170)
• GASOLINE (UN 1203)
• METHANOL (UN 1230)
• TOLUENE (UN 1294)
• AMMONIA SOLUTION (UN 2672)
• SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SOLID (UN 1823)

Simple proper shipping names are straightforward to use but must match exactly what appears in the dangerous goods list of the applicable transport regulations.

Even for simple names, be aware of variations between transport modes. For example, "PETROL" in ADR may be "GASOLINE" in IATA/IMDG.

N.O.S. (Not Otherwise Specified) proper shipping names are generic entries used when a substance doesn't have a specific listed name in the regulations. These require the addition of technical names to provide more specific identification.

Format Requirements:

• The generic N.O.S. name followed by the technical name(s) in parentheses
• Technical names must be recognized chemical names, not trade names
• Usually limited to 1-2 of the most significant hazardous components
• Technical names should appear in lowercase within the parentheses

Examples:

• FLAMMABLE LIQUID, N.O.S. (contains ethanol, isopropanol) (UN 1993)
• TOXIC LIQUID, ORGANIC, N.O.S. (contains aniline, benzene) (UN 2810)
• CORROSIVE SOLID, ACIDIC, INORGANIC, N.O.S. (contains ferric chloride) (UN 3260)
• ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE, LIQUID, N.O.S. (contains zinc oxide) (UN 3082)

Selection Rules:

When selecting technical names for N.O.S. entries:

• Choose the component(s) that primarily contribute to the hazard classification
• Use chemical names recognized in scientific and technical handbooks and texts
• For mixtures with many components, select the 1-2 most hazardous components
• Technical names that themselves would require an N.O.S. entry are not permitted

Omitting required technical names is a common compliance issue. Always include technical names for N.O.S. entries unless specifically exempted by a special provision.

Descriptive proper shipping names include additional text that clarifies the scope of what materials are covered by that entry. This additional text is considered part of the proper shipping name and must be included.

Key Characteristics:

• Includes parenthetical text that explains what is covered by the entry
• The entire text, including parenthetical descriptions, is part of the proper shipping name
• Cannot be abbreviated on shipping documents
• Helps group similar materials with similar hazards under one entry

Examples:

• PAINT (including paint, lacquer, enamel, stain, shellac, varnish, polish, liquid filler and liquid lacquer base) (UN 1263)
• ADHESIVES (containing flammable liquid) (UN 1133)
• EXTRACTS, AROMATIC, LIQUID (UN 1169)
• PERFUMERY PRODUCTS with flammable solvents (UN 1266)
• PRINTING INK, flammable or PRINTING INK RELATED MATERIAL (UN 1210)

These descriptive names help classify similar products that might have different commercial names but share similar hazard properties. For example, all paint-related products can use the PAINT entry rather than creating separate entries for each type of coating.

Qualified proper shipping names include specific concentration ranges, physical states, or other qualifiers that are critical for determining the appropriate classification and transport conditions.

Important Features:

• Include concentration limits or other qualifying text
• The qualifier is mandatory and part of the proper shipping name
• Different concentrations or states of the same chemical often have different UN numbers
• Qualifiers help determine appropriate packaging and handling requirements

Examples:

• HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, AQUEOUS SOLUTION with not less than 20% but not more than 60% hydrogen peroxide (UN 2014)
• HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, AQUEOUS SOLUTION with not less than 8% but less than 20% hydrogen peroxide (UN 2984)
• SULFURIC ACID with more than 51% acid (UN 1830)
• SULFURIC ACID with not more than 51% acid (UN 2796)
• FORMALDEHYDE SOLUTION with not less than 25% formaldehyde (UN 2209)
• SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION (UN 1824)

Why Qualifiers Matter:

Different concentrations or forms of the same chemical can have very different hazard properties:

• 60% hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer and corrosive
• 8% hydrogen peroxide is much less hazardous
• 80% sulfuric acid is highly corrosive
• 10% sulfuric acid is less corrosive but still dangerous

Using the wrong qualified proper shipping name can result in incorrect hazard communication, inappropriate packaging, and potential safety risks. Always verify the concentration or state of your material to ensure the correct proper shipping name is used.